1. Listening A Responding appropriately in social situations is an important part of communication. Below is an example of an appropriate and an inappropriate response.
Appropriate response：A: Can I come in? B: Yes, of course.
Inappropriate response：A: Can I come in ? B: Really? How interesting.
On the tape you will hear a number of responses. Decide whether the responses you hear are appropriate Y or not N. The first one has been done for you.
1. (Y) 2. ( ) 3. ( ) 4. ( ) 5. ( )
6. ( ) 7. ( ) 8. ( ) 9. ( ) 10. ( )
11. ( ) 12. ( ) 13. ( ) 14. ( ) 15. ( )
B Now listen again. This time all the responses are appropriate.
Listening Task
1． Thanks for the lovely evening. Glad you enjoyed it.
2． How about a drink? Don't mention it.
3． Do you mind if I smoke? Yes, I do.
4． Could you hand me that pen? Of course. Here you are.
5． My father died last night. Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
6． Have a good weekend. So do I.
7． Thanks for your help. Never mind.
8． I'm sorry, I must have got the wrong number. It doesn't matter.
9． Best of luck in your new job. Not at all.
10． He's 95, you know! Really?
11． I think we should leave now. So do I.
12． We've had a very good year. I'm glad to hear that.
13． Can I ask you a question? Don't mention it.
14． Would you like to go to a concert this evening? Yes, I'd love to.
15． I didn't get the job. That's true.
Answers to the listening task
1. Y 2. N 3. N 4. Y 5. Y
6. N 7. N 8. Y 9. N 10. Y
11. Y 12. Y 13. N 14. Y 15. N
Appropriate responses
1. Thanks for the lovely evening. Glad you enjoyed it.
2. How about a drink? That would be nice.
3. Do you mind if I smoke? No, of course not.
4. Could you hand me that pen? Of course. Here you are.
5. My father died last night. Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
6. Have a good weekend. You too.
7. Thanks for your help. Your are welcome.
8. I'm sorry, I must have got the wrong number. It doesn't matter.
9. Best of luck in your new job. Thanks very much.
10. He's 95, you know! Really?
11. I think we should leave now. So do I.
12. We've had a very good year. I'm glad to hear that.
13. Can I ask you a question? Yes, of course.
14. Would you like to go to a concert this evening? Yes, I'd love to.
15. I didn't get the job. Never mind. Better luck next time.
2. Presentation Polite responses can be grouped into several categories. This section gives examples of different situations and tells you what you can say.
(1) Situation
Thanking
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for the lovely meal.
Response
Not at all.
You're welcome.
Glad you liked/enjoyed it.
(2) Situation
Apologizing
Sorry, I must have got the wrong number.
Response
It doesn't matter.
Don't worry.
Never mind.
(3) Situation
Inviting
Would you like to come to dinner?
How about a drink?
Response
Yes, I'd like/love to.
That would be nice.
That's a good idea.
(4) Situation
Asking permission
If the answer is 'yes'
May I come in?
Do you mind if I smoke?
If the answer is 'no'
Do you mind if I smoke?
Response
Yes, of course.
Please do.
Certainly.
No, of course not.
No, not at all.
Well. Actually, I'd prefer you didn't /not to.
I'd rather you didn't.